Do you recall the time when Garth Brooks came close to not singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl? According to reports, Garth Brooks almost decided to not perform at the Super Bowl in 1993, and in doing so, he changed the expectations for future Super Bowl performers.
There have been several country stars, including Charley Pride, Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, Kelly Clarkson, and Carrie Underwood, who have been chosen to sing the anthem in the past. However, when Brooks unexpectedly refused to perform at the show, it led to a change in policy that has now become a regular practice.
As stated in Don Weiss' book, The Making of the Super Bowl: The Inside Story of the World's Greatest Sporting Event, Garth Brooks had planned to premiere his music video for "We Shall Be Free" during the broadcast on January 31, 1993. The song was written in response to the L.A. riots that occurred after the Rodney King verdict in 1992. The music video included footage of the KKK, riots, wars, and the burning of crosses and flags. However, the network considered the video too controversial and Brooks reportedly left the stadium just 45 minutes before kickoff.
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When the network asked Brooks to pre-record his performance, he refused, causing the producers to panic and search for a last-minute replacement. Jon Bon Jovi happened to be present at the game, so the producers kept him on standby while they argued with Brooks. Eventually, Brooks got his way, and the biggest sports event in America was postponed for the first time ever to showcase his video. Brooks appeared on the field with a distinctive mullet hairstyle and a full mustache and beard, and he was accompanied by Marlee Matlin, an Academy Award-winning actress who is deaf, providing sign language interpretation.
After Brooks walked out, the NFL decided that all Super Bowl performances of the national anthem must be pre-recorded. This change was confirmed by Ricky Minor, a former Super Bowl Music Director.
He states that doing it in that manner is correct. There are numerous factors to consider before going live. He would never suggest any artist to go live as even the smallest technical issue could greatly impact the performance.
Here are 15 country artists who are well-prepared to take on the role of headlining a Super Bowl halftime show. The credit for
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